Kellen Stepler stories, Page 33
Collier teen recognized as National Merit Scholarship semifinalist
A Chartiers Valley High School senior has been recognized for her outstanding academic efforts. Charlotte Kinslow, 17, of Collier, is a national merit scholarship semifinalist, placing her among the top 1% of students nationwide. She was selected based on her performance on the PSAT. Kinslow now has the opportunity to...
AHN Chill Project launches at Curtisville Primary School
Success of a behavioral wellness program at Deer Lakes’ East Union Intermediate School has led to it now being offered at Curtisville Primary School. Curtisville students were greeted Monday morning by Allegheny Health Network and Pittsburgh Pirates staff, which included two racing Pierogi mascots, the Pirate Parrot and announcer Joe...
N.Y.-based company acquires Lower Burrell’s Hillcrest Shopping Center for over $3.78 million
Nassimi Realty, a New York City-based real estate development company, is the new owner of the Hillcrest Shopping Center in Lower Burrell, and it’s an acquisition that excites local officials. Nassimi purchased the property, off Leechburg and Wildlife Lodge roads, after an auction this summer. Its starting bid was $1.14...
New SRO named at Chartiers Valley; predecessor promoted to sergeant in Collier
Kyle Kelsch is now patrolling the halls where he once was a student. Kelsch, 32, of Collier, started work as a school resource officer at Chartiers Valley’s High School and the district’s middle school in August. “The main thing is to keep the students and staff, everyone in this building,...
Burrell’s Elijah Goulet faces complex surgery for chronic pain, inspires community with resilience
Elijah Goulet excels at many things inside and outside the halls of Burrell High School. The 16-year-old from Lower Burrell shines in the school’s band, as a leader and mentor to many younger students. A junior, Goulet is an avid reader, a member of the reading team and aspires to...
Program gives local high school students a shot at landing a job before graduation
Seniors at three local high schools could have a full-time job lined up before they walk the graduation stage. Burrell, Valley and Kiski Area high schools this year are collaborating with PNC for its PartnerUp program, an initiative where educators join forces with employers from various industries to teach students...
Lower Burrell police, school district team up to help children who suffer traumatic experiences
A new, more formal program between Lower Burrell police and the Burrell School District aims to support a child after they have experienced a traumatic incident. The district and police are working with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s Trauma Education and Response (TEAR) program for the initiative, called “Handle With Care.”...
New principals join Chartiers Valley at primary, middle schools
Chartiers Valley has welcomed two new principals at its primary and middle schools this year. Hannah Dziamniski was hired as assistant principal at the Primary School. James Pegher was named principal at the Middle School. Dziamniski, 28, always knew that she wanted to get into the education field to help...
Library lizard a celebrity at Chartiers Valley Primary School
An unexpected four-legged reptile has won the hearts of students at Chartiers Valley Primary School. Librarian Becky Forkner’s family pet, a 1-year-old bearded dragon affectionately known as “Library Lizzie,” has improved students’ behavior, taught youngsters social skills and empathy and gets them excited about school, she said. “She contributes to...
Local election officials confident mail-in ballots will be delivered on time despite national concerns
Nationwide concerns over the United States Postal Service’s ability to deliver election mail this fall don’t seem to worry local election officials. Abigail Gardner, spokeswoman for Allegheny County, said the county doesn’t have any concerns at the moment. “Allegheny County Elections has a very good relationship with USPS leadership at...
Renovations slated at Carnegie Elementary; state money spurs start
A comprehensive renovation is slated for Carnegie Elementary School. Carlynton School District officials recently were awarded a $197,761 grant from the state’s Public School Environmental Repairs Program, to support renovations at Carnegie Elementary. The funding will address removing environmental materials at the school, said Superintendent John Kreider. “This effort is...
Allegheny Valley eyes contract for demolition of Colfax
After years of discussion and deliberations, the end for Colfax Elementary in Springdale may be near. The Allegheny Valley School Board on Tuesday will consider hiring Kane Specialty Group of Pine to perform asbestos abatement and demolition of the shuttered building along Colfax Street. Kane submitted a $404,000 base bid...
Bridgeville prohibits ‘jake brakes’ on McLaughlin Run Road, eyes funding for projects
Jake brakes are now prohibited on Bridgeville’s McLaughlin Run Road, from Bower Hill Road to the Upper St. Clair border. Bridgeville Council ratified the decision Sept. 9. A jake brake is an engine brake in some diesel engines that creates a loud engine roar when used. Neighbors earlier this year...
Heroism, unity theme of Lower Burrell 9/11 service
When people gather to remember the lives lost during the terrorist attacks of 9/11, one of the most commonly asked questions is whether others remember where they were when they heard the news. But the more appropriate question, said Lower Burrell No. 3 Fire Chief Brennan Sites, is if people...
Acmetonia students honor Patriot Day with service
Mila Bock wants her school to have a Patriot Day observance every year from now on. “It’s important to honor people that died during the tragedy,” said the sixth grader at Acmetonia Elementary School in Harmar. The school held its first Patriot Day event Wednesday, the 23th anniversary of 9/11,...
Lower Burrell signs contract to fix ‘greener than grass’ algae problem at lake
Lower Burrell is moving forward to remediate the algae situation in Burrell Lake Park. City Council on Monday approved a contract of nearly $5,900 with Solitude Lake Management for water quality restoration at Burrell Lake this fall. “We had to get started to take care of the lake,” Councilman Mike...
Aspiring Education program at Burrell gives head start to students who want to be teachers
At some point this school year, Laney Kaczor will be in a Burrell High School classroom, but not in her role as a student. Kaczor, a junior at Burrell, is one of nine Northern Westmoreland Career & Technology Center students in a new Aspiring Education program with a satellite location...
The River Community Church merges with Church of God, sets new digs in Lower Burrell
The River Community Church has a new location but the same emphasis on community. The River moved to 273 Chester Drive in Lower Burrell from New Kensington as part of a merger with the Church of God in Lower Burrell. The River had been located at 200 Freeport Road for...
Scott police to get mobile command center
A mobile command center will help Scott Township police enhance the force’s ability to manage critical incidents and large-scale events. Scott officials Aug. 29 hosted U.S. Congressman Chris Deluzio, D-Aspinwall, to announce $700,000 in federal funding for the township to purchase a mobile command center. “Answering the call to protect...
Upper Burrell officials planning to appraise, sell 3 acres off Milligantown Road
Vacant property owned by Upper Burrell off Milligantown Road soon will be up for sale. On Wednesday, the township supervisors directed Jim Collodi, a Lower Burrell real estate agent, to appraise the property of just under 3 acres. It’s across the road from Jack’s Backyard Bar and Grill. “It’s a...
Collier mulls $8M ballfield project
Citing growth and young families moving into the township, Collier officials moved forward with an initial plan to build three ballfields at Collier Park with a target cost of $8 million. George Macino, township manager, said the motion approved by commissioners Aug. 26 directs the township’s engineering firm, Gibson-Thomas, to...
Nearly $30K in state funding to promote healthy fruits, vegetables at Carnegie Elementary
Carnegie Elementary students have access to fresh food and vegetables, in part, because of state funding. The state’s Department of Education awarded Carlynton School District $29,238 in August for the fresh fruit and vegetable program in the elementary school. The program aims to familiarize students with a variety of fresh...
New program to help Springdale students in career studies
Springdale Jr.-Sr. High School officials hope a new career-readiness framework for eighth grade students will get them more prepared for and exposed to future careers. High school staff debuted the “World of Work” program when students returned to classes last week. Principal Andrew Leviski said it aims to provide early...
Hearing set for renewal of East Deer noise exemption Wednesday
East Deer is requesting a renewal of its noise exemption from the state’s Liquor Control Board. The meeting, at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, is to allow public comment on the township’s exemption from the state’s Liquor Control Board rules on noise, said Shawn Kelly, LCB spokesman. The request, if approved, would...
Burrell High School community engagement, learning initiatives garner global recognition
Burrell High School’s efforts to improve students’ well-being has earned international attention. The school’s “learner profiles,” community engagement initiatives and re-imagined high school experience landed them recognition from HundrED, a Finland-based education organization spotlighting well-being in schools. Burrell’s projects makes them one of 34 initiatives from 71 countries earning the...
